Cram the Cruiser, Stuff the Bus fill food pantry

http://www.njherald.com/20171121/cram-the-cruiser-stuff-the-bus-fill-food-pantry#//

NEWTON -- Busses, trucks, vans and trailers filled with food donations were taken to the Sussex County Social Services food pantry, in Newton, on Monday.

Owner of the Mohawk House, Steve Scro, along with officers from the Andover, Byram and Sparta Police Departments, were on hand to help volunteers unload donations that had been collected during the Cram the Cruiser campaign.

The Cram the Cruiser campaign joined forces with Stuff the Bus, collecting food to help out families in need during the holiday season. Scro organized Cram the Cruiser a few years ago when Department of Health and Human Services Administrator Carol Novrit asked if there was any way he could make Stuff the Bus a bigger effort.

"After that, I got together with police chiefs and formed Cram the Cruiser, which has grown over the years," said Scro.

According to Scro, 250 hams and turkeys were collected over the weekend for those in need.

"It's very rewarding and very contagious," said Scro, who hopes to see the campaign continue to grow. "These are important to me; these events really touch your heart. It's good to see folks not worry around the holidays about food."

Anyone wishing to donate food items, who may have missed Stuff the Bus or Cram the Cruiser, may drop off food, through the holidays, at the Mohawk House, 3 S. Sparta Ave., in Sparta.

CLEAR Program Expands to 6 More Police Departments

CLEAR Program Expands to 6 More Police Departments - read the press release here: https://goo.gl/Nqy9th

http://www.njherald.com/20171110/6-more-police-forces-get-clear-in-opioid-fight#//

6 more police forces get C.L.E.A.R. in opioid fight

By David Danzis New Jersey Herald

Posted: Nov. 10, 2017 12:15 am

An additional six police departments in Sussex County have agreed to become a part of a community-focused effort in combating the local drug epidemic through recovery.

The Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery, or C.L.E.A.R., program announced that police departments in Andover Township, Byram, Hardyston, Franklin, Sparta and Vernon would begin accepting participants. The six departments join Newton in allowing anyone in possession of an illegal substance or paraphernalia to turn it over without fear of arrest or prosecution. Law enforcement also will assist individuals or family members seeking substance abuse treatment to connect them with C.L.E.A.R.'s recovery coaches.

C.L.E.A.R. is a coalition of like-minded agencies in Sussex County -- which includes the Center for Prevention and Counseling, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, Newton Medical Center, the Sussex County Police Chiefs' Association and the seven aforementioned police departments -- that are committed to improving prevention, education, outreach and enforcement in the fight to save lives afflicted by drug addiction.

"The expansion of the C.L.E.A.R. program into the additional six police departments in Sussex County is a momentous occasion," said Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch. "This expansion will now make the incredibly successful C.L.E.A.R. program even more accessible to all residents in Sussex County."

Training was provided in September to law enforcement officers from each of the departments new to the C.L.E.A.R. program. Through October, policies and procedures were implemented in each department to make them ready to perform intake screening for C.L.E.A.R. program participants.

Vernon Police Chief Randy Mills said two recent overdose deaths in the community highlight the need for action.

"The Vernon Police Department is excited to start the C.L.E.A.R. program in an attempt to help our community," Mills said. "These unnecessary deaths can be prevented, and we look forward to being part of the solution."

Vernon, and Hardyston joined the program on Monday, Nov. 6. Sparta began its participation on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Sparta Police Chief Neil Spidaletto said the drug epidemic has affected all areas of our society.

"If we can provide assistance in offering help through the Center for Prevention and Counseling to those that are seeking help, Sparta officers will provide this support," he said. "I am more than happy to work with (Newton Police) Chief (Michael) Richards and other chiefs in this county to try make a difference for those struggling with addiction, their families and our community."

Hardyston Police Chief Bret Alemy said "identification of addiction and offering a pathway to hope where there was literally none, serves not only the addict, but our entire community by way of reduced crime, lower overall healthcare costs and of course, personal health and productivity."

"Our department is proud to join with other law enforcement within our county as we continue to bridge the gap between addiction and recovery through collaborative efforts within both the law enforcement and the healthcare communities," Alemy said.

Andover Township and Byram will officially begin their participation in the C.L.E.A.R. program Nov. 13.

"The Andover Township Police Department continues to support efforts to help community members combat substance use disorders by providing an avenue for assistance," said Chief Eric Danielson. "We are pleased to be a part of a solution to a growing epidemic and feel the partnerships developed have given us an opportunity to better serve our community and those around us."

Since beginning in Newton in July 2016, 54 individuals struggling with a substance use disorder have been helped, connected to peer recovery coaches, accessed treatment and are working toward or are in recovery. Numerous families have been assisted with connection to family recovery coaches, helping to steer their loved ones into recovery.

"The Byram Township Police Department is pleased that we're able to unite with the other police departments in the county to provide this service to our residents," said Chief Peter Zabita. "Every effort must be made by our government agencies and our residents to combat the current opioid crisis in our communities."

Franklin Borough police will join the C.L.E.A.R. program on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Chief Eugene McInerney said the department is "enthusiastically committed to the success of the C.L.E.A.R. program, as it is a phenomenal tool in step with the Franklin Borough Police Department's commitment to preserving the quality of life in the community we serve."

"Now more than ever, education and assistance need to be provided to those suffering from addiction as well as their families," he said. "The opioid crisis, recently nationally recognized as one of the greatest threats to our society and our nation's youth, needs to be aggressively addressed."

Koch said that although C.L.E.A.R. "alone will not solve the epidemic, it is one of the essential building blocks for a community to address it."

The C.L.E.A.R. program is a vital tool in our fight against the opioid epidemic," Koch said. "I am excited to be a partner in this program and I look forward to working with all of the police departments and the community to encourage individuals with substance use disorders to come in and help them find their road to recovery."

Individuals seeking to turn in illegal substances or paraphernalia can do so at any of the participating police depart-ments Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Sussex County has 11 municipal police departments while 13 municipalities are covered by the New Jersey State Police. In addition to the departments that have joined the C.L.E.A.R. program, Hopatcong, Hamburg, Ogdensburg and Stanhope each also have their own police departments.

For more information call: 1-844-SC-CLEAR, or go online: clearprogram.org.

David Danzis can also be contacted on Facebook: ddanzisNJH, on Twitter: @ddanzisNJH, or by phone: 973-383-1274.

Sparta Police Department Swears in New Chief, Three Lieutenants

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/newton/articles/sparta-police-department-swears-in-new-chief-thr

SPARTA, NJ – Sparta Police Department has a new chief.  On Friday evening approximately 200 people gathered in the Sparta High School auditorium to be a part of the ceremony elevating Neil Spidaletto to Chief.  Additionally Det. Sgt Terrence Mulligan, Sgt John Lamon and Sgt. Dennis Proctor were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

The ceremony was opened by the bagpipes of the Morris County Pipes and Drums, leading the procession of the Sparta Township Police officers to the stage.  Mayor Gilbert Gibbs welcomed everyone and introduced Sparta High School Student Ryden Mederos. The Color Guard came to the stage as  Mederos led the room in the National Anthem. 

Gibbs then introduced Councilman Josh Hertzberg who served as the master of ceremony for the event.

Monsignor Kiernan McHugh was next to the podium to offer a prayer of Invocation.

Councilwoman Christine Quinn was called up to give a brief history of the Sparta Police Department.  She explained the first patrolman for the town was Harry Ducey a 30-year-old who was working in construction at Lake Mohawk. He patrolled the area on horseback.  Four years later he was made Special Officer by the township with his wife Lila serving as the first dispatcher.  The phone line was installed in their home for after hours calls.  When calls came in Lila would turn on the porch light to signal the need for help.  The “Ducey porch light notification system” was later expanded to four signal lights.  Finally the horse was replaced by a patrol car and in 1945 the first car radios were installed.    

After Quinn, Hertzberg introduced Senator Steve Oroho who said the first time he met Spidaletto was in a social setting but he thought “he is really a great guy.”  “Also,” Oroho said, “he went to Villanova, my daughter graduated from Villanova, I like Villanova.” He completed the remarks, “I want to thank  you very much.  Thank you for the honor of being here.”

Sparta Township Manager William Close spoke to the crowd.  “As we usher in the new leadership, it is an honor to be here.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all to the officers for the fine work they do every day,” Close said. 

Turning his comments to Spidaletto Close said. “Neil has proven himself as a respectable leader during his time with the Sparta Police Department.  He has served this community with dedication on and off the job to the community and the officers who serve with him. Neil is up to the challenge and he will exceed expectations. To say he is qualified is an understatement.”

Close spoke of the three officers about to be promoted to Lieutenant.  “There were a number of qualified candidates, which shows the depth of talent,” in the Sparta Police Department.  “They will be an asset to Chief Spidaletto, to the department and to the community they serve.

“I am struck by their energy, enthusiasm and their desire to continue to learn more.” Turning to the officers, “I am confident you will meet the challenges before you and raise to bar of those with whom you will serve.”

Spidaletto was sworn in by Judge Peter Conforti with his wife and daughter at his side and parents and in-laws on the stage with him. 

Other notable attendees included;

• Newton Chief Michael Richards, President of the Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police
• Hardyston Chief Bret Alemy, Vice President of the Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police,
• Byram Chief Peter Zibita, Secretary of the Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police,
• Ogdensburg Chief Stephen Gordon,
• Vernon Chief Randy Mills,
• Hopatcong Chief Robert Brennan,
• Stanhope Chief Steven Pittigher,
• Franklin Borough Chief Eugene McInerney,
• New Jersey State Police Officer Brian Murphy from Troop B Sussex Station
• Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada,
• Sussex County Under Sheriff and Retired Sparta Detective John Shanstra
• Sussex County Assistant Prosecutor Francis Koch,
• Sussex County Assistant Prosecutor Greg Mueller,
• Sussex County Prosecutor Investigator Captain Don Peter,
• Retired Sparta Police Chief Donald Earl,
• Retired Sparta Police Chief Richard Hamler
• Retired Sparta Chief Ernest Reigstad  
• Sparta Councilwoman Molly Whilesmith

One of the many experiences of Spidaletto brings to the job is having trained for 10 weeks with Class 262 of the FBI National Academy in 2015, the first Sparta officer to do so in more than 30 years.  A number of his classmates were at the ceremony, some having traveled long distances. New Jersey officers from West Orange, Howell, Medford Township, Ocean City were joined by officers from Duxbury, Massachusetts, Euclid and Richmond Heights, Ohio and Clarkstown, New York all members of the same FBI National Academy class.

In his remarks Spidaletto noted Chiefs from Essex Fells, Mountain Lakes, Netcong, Mount Arlington and Washington Township were in the auditorium.  He also thanked representatives of Sparta Fire Department and Ambulance Squad for attending the ceremony. “Your presence here shows your overwhelming support for the Sparta Police Department,” Spidaletto said. 

In his remarks, Spidaletto said, “I’ve been very fortunate to have been raised in this town.  The educational system in second to none,” thanking the “many Sparta High School and Pope John alumni for coming out.” Spidaletto graduated from Sparta High School. 

His father Joseph joined the Sparta Police Department in 1998, moving from the Jersey City Fire Department.  “I’m very proud of my father,” Spidaletto said,  “I have an advantage in being able to consult with him. It does feel kinda [sic] good that I can say I officially out rank him.  Isn’t that right Lieutenant?” he said with a smile. 

“While the chief sets the mission, the officers set the standards,” Spidaletto said.  “The position has gotten more complex…It is a very rewarding job but it can be very difficult.  There are the common challenges that go with shift work and missing holidays and there are emotional challenges that often take a toll.  I am confident in the officers at the Sparta Police Department.”

He continued in his remarks explaining new and ongoing initiatives, including achieving Accreditation for the Morris County Insurance Fund.  This will be “a significant professional achievement, when completed.” Ongoing initiatives include Sparta Township Emergency Preparedness or STEP, Sussex County CLEAR Program and the recent resolution to name Sparta a Stigma Free community. 

Reaching back through the history of policing Spidaletto quoted from Sir Robert Peel’s Nine Principles of Police eventually distilling them down to one familiar phrase of Protect and Serve.  He said there were “maybe over 1000 years of law enforcement experience in the room,” and they serve as his “brain trust.”  He thanked the civilian members of the team including the administrative assistant who has served four of the nine Sparta Chiefs and who “gets younger with each chief.”

Spidaletto concluded his remarks saying the Sparta Police Department will “remain vigilant and positive…show compassion and empathy…and strive to improve.”  He thanked his wife “Lisa, my rock, my foundation, my motivation and my dedication.  Without her, I am not standing here."

Judge Conforti next administered the oath of office to the three officers standing among family members on the front of the stage. 

Hertzburg closed out the ceremony saying they are “the reason Sparta is consistently ranked at the top of safest towns in New Jersey.  Thank you for accepting the responsibility.”

The chief and three lieutenants left the stage.  The Honor Guard led the remaining officers off the stage. 

CRAM THE CRUISER - Over 45,000 Pounds of Food Collected

Municipal police departments, the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and New Jersey State Police Troopers of Sussex County teamed up for the first annual county-wide "Cram the Cruiser" food drive on April 14-15 to collect food donations for Sussex County residents.

Cram the Cruiser April 2017

Municipal police Departments, the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and New Jersey State Police Troopers of Sussex County teamed up for the first annual county-wide "Cram the Cruiser" food drive on April 14-15 to collect food donations for Sussex County residents. Over 45,000 pounds of food and $5,128 in cash and gift cards will collected. Police cruisers were set up in front of Weis, WalMart, Stop & Shop and Shop-Rite stores around the county.

On Monday, police and sheriff's officers and state troopers delivered collected food to the Sussex County Division of Social Services food pantry at 83 Spring Street.

If anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can stop by the Division of Social Services, located at 83 Spring Street, Newton, NJ, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Schools that wish to obtain information about backpack weekend meals for kids can call 973-579-0559 ext. 1227.

http://sussex.nj.us/Cit-e-Access/news/index.cfm?mo=1&mo=0&NID=43429&TID=7&jump2=0

Addiction recovery program set for expansion

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Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald - Newton Police Chief Michael Richards, left, holds the shining star award given to him by Becky Carlson, right, executive director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling, on Wednesday during the first anniversary event for the Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery (C.L.E.A.R.) program at Newton Town Hall.

By Joe Carlson New Jersey Herald

Posted: Mar. 30, 2017 12:01 am

NEWTON -- During the first anniversary celebration for the Sussex County Community Law Enforcement Addiction Recovery program, Newton Police Chief Michael Richards announced that it would be expanding from his department to departments throughout the county.

"We have identified several police departments where the chiefs there have indicated interest in having their departments be an intake point for people who want to be screened into the C.L.E.A.R. program," Richards said.

Since the program's inception in 2016, the Newton Police Department has been the only one in the county where those wishing to enter the program could go for screening.

Beginning later this year -- Becky Carlson, executive director of the Center for Prevention and Counseling, anticipates either late summer or fall -- those wishing to seek recovery will be able to go to the police departments in Andover Township, Hardyston, Vernon, Sparta, Franklin and Byram, ask for help and then be escorted to the center to begin their recovery.

"It's huge," Carlson said of being able to expand throughout the county. "We have been servicing the whole county. Maybe like 25 percent of the participants are from Newton. It's going to increase the number of people we're going to help because if you're from Vernon you may be more likely to go to Vernon than come all the way down here."

Richards said the C.L.E.A.R. program training will available for all police officers in Sussex County, including the State Police, in the near future.

Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch said that since the program's official launch on July 18, more than 90 people seeking recovery have gotten in touch with the program. Forty-two of them have been in touch with recovery coaches and 23 have gone for treatment.

"That's almost three people per month we have been able to get into recovery," Koch said.

Set to expand, the program will send two recovery coaches to be taught how to be recovery coach trainers so that future coaches can be trained here in Sussex County, Koch said.

Carlson said this will allow the program to help more people in Sussex County.

To help the program expand, it will be apply for two grants, an Opioid Overdose Recovery Program state grant for about $255,750 a year for two years to help those who survive overdoses get into recovery and a $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice that will, in addition to helping fund the program's mission, also allow it to hire a project coordinator for the program, Richards said.

During the hour-long celebration for C.L.E.A.R.'s first year, local businesses including Newton Medical Center, Minisink Press, the New Jersey Herald, and the Seabrook House rehabilitation center in Cumberland County were honored for their support.

Also in attendance were representatives for Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Sen. Robert Menendez.

State Sen. Steve Oroho, Assemblyman Parker Space and Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus all attended the event, with Oroho and Space releasing statements of support after the celebration.

"Sussex County has not been immune to the opioid epidemic tearing apart families across New Jersey," said Oroho, who is a member of the Advisory Board for the Center for Prevention and Counseling. "There were 36 overdose deaths in our area last year. Sussex County C.L.E.A.R. has been instrumental in responding to this growing crisis. Its success has given our community an immeasurable amount of hope during this difficult time."

"The heroin and prescription drug crisis is running rampant in this state, resulting in the loss of lives, jobs and homes that has impacted communities and destroyed families in every corner of the state," Space said. "In Sussex County, we are fortunate to have the C.L.E.A.R. program, and its hard-working professionals and dedicated volunteers. The success of the program in preventing and treating addiction has made C.L.E.A.R. a model to be followed by other counties and states struggling financially and emotionally from the opioid and heroin disaster."

Though the event was a celebration for the year-old program, Carlson, Koch and Richards made sure those in attendance knew it was also a call to the community to come together further and continue fighting the opioid epidemic.

"As a community let's celebrate sobriety and recovery. They shouldn't be words we're afraid to say. They should be words we embrace," Koch said. "Let's reach out to those who need a word of wisdom or a push towards recovery. Let's be the best community we can be by helping others. Let's not be someone on the sideline, be active players to make Sussex County stronger, healthier and safer."

For more information on the C.L.E.A.R. program, visit clearprogram.org.

See also editorial: http://www.njherald.com/20170330/recovery-program-makes-a-difference-in-its-first-year

http://www.njherald.com/20161026/200-club-honors-local-officers-for-their-valor

200 Club honors local officers for their valor

Photo by Jake West/New Jersey Herald The 200 Club of Sussex County awards valor and meritorious certificates to 19 officers from local police departments on Monday at the Mohawk House, in Sparta.

By Joe Carlson New Jersey Herald

Posted: Oct. 26, 2016 12:01 am

SPARTA -- Nineteen law enforcement officers were honored for their courageous actions in the line of duty during a 200 Club of Sussex County Awards Ceremony Monday.

Patrolman Christopher Geene and Patrolman James Lame, of the Ogdensburg Police Department, were honored for their actions in attempting to save a man from drowning in Heater's Pond on Memorial Day.

At approximately 6:15 p.m. Monday, May 30, the officers were dispatched to Heater's Pond for a report of an unresponsive male in the water.

Geene and Lame entered the water, located the male, removed him from the pond and began CPR. The man later died at Newton Medical Center.

Both Geene and Lame received the "Team Merit Award" for a rescue made under risky conditions.

"I've been with these guys for 16 years, we started in the academy together and grew up in Ogdensburg together," said Ogdensburg Police Chief Stephen Taylor. "They made a decision that put themselves at risk because they decided the victim was more important. They went above and beyond.

On May 13, Sgt. William Cisko, Trooper I Richard Nugnes and Trooper Robert Hunt responded to a home in Wantage for a report of a domestic violence incident.

Upon arrival, the troopers heard a woman's screams and forced their way into the home where they found a male assaulting a woman with a large knife.

The troopers arrested the individual and the victim survived her injuries.

The trio were awarded the "Team Valor Award" for courage under perilous conditions.

"Anything could have happened to them," said Lt. John Widovic, of the New Jersey State Police. "They stepped up and made a split-second decision and could have shot him, but they did not and jumped him. They did what they had to do."

One Newton officer and five New Jersey State Troopers were also awarded the "Team Valor Award" for their efforts to disarm an emotionally disturbed person who had a loaded assault rifle on his lap in his yard.

On March 8, Sgt. Frank Philhower, of the Newton Police Department responded to a town residence in response to a report of a suicidal male with a shotgun and upon arrival observed the man with an assault rifle.

Philhower spoke with the man who eventually sat down and placed the gun in his lap.

Sgt. Michael Verheeck, Trooper I Wallace Zosche, Trooper II Matthew Meehan, Trooper Anthony DeMarco and Trooper Antonio DeMattia, of the New Jersey State Police arrived as backup and overwhelmed the man and disarmed him. The man was then treated for a mental condition.

Newton Police Chief Michael Richards said the effort between the two police forces showed team work, but also thanked the 200 Club for their efforts as well.

"A lot of people are taking shots at police officers, but there is such great community support here from the 200 Club and the local businesses that support the 200 Club," Richards said.

The 200 Club is a nonprofit organization whose name refers to the $200 per year in dues paid by each member. It was founded in 1991 to provide financial assistance to the families of emergency first responders -- police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians -- who have fallen in the line of duty. In the event of a tragedy, the club can provide up to $10,000 to the families of public servants to use to address any financial concerns.

In addition to caring for families who lose loved ones in the line of duty, the 200 Club also gives scholarships to children of first responders.

Monday's ceremony was sponsored by The Mohawk House, Sparta FOP Lodge 26 and Eric Nielsen from the Nielsen Auto Group.

On June 3, 2015, officers from the Byram Township Police Department and the Andover Township Police Department responded to a Byram Township home where a welfare check had been requested after neighbors heard a gunshot.

Officers talked with the man who was in the home before he exited with two guns and stood on the porch.

He told officers to "take the shot," and threw a handgun at officers being pointing a shotgun at a single officer. An officer then fired a single shot, hitting the man, who later died at the hospital.

From the Byram Police Department, Lt. Peter Zabita, Sgt. Guy Mariani, Detective Robert Tierney, Officer John D'Onofrio, Officer Todd Sodana and Officer Todd Lisa, received the award and from the Andover Township Police Department Sgt. Brian Kithcart and Officer Matthew Puccio were honored.

"We did everything we could to keep him alive," said Zabita, who is now the department's chief. "He was having none of it. We went in together and we went out together."

An event like on that "goes a long way to show how we rely on one another," said Andover Chief Eric Danielson. "It is always nice to see a fellow brother in blue support us as we support them."

"The sacrifices you all make are tremendous," said Senator Steven Oroho. "Kids always say when they grow up they want to be a policeman or a fireman. Why? It's because you all make the community feel safe and secure. We thank you."

Chiefs' bocce tournament a big success - Sparta Independent

http://www.spartaindependent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20160928/NEWS01/160929930

Chiefs' bocce tournament a big success

Fuhndraiser for in-service officer training

PUBLISHED SEP 28, 2016 AT 2:22 PM (UPDATED SEP 28, 2016)

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  From left, Byram Police Chief POeter Zabita, Sparta Police Lt. Neil Spidaletto, Sparta Police Chief Ernie Reigstad, Newton Police Chief Michael Richards, Dan Beatty, COO of First Hope Bank, Andover Police Chief Eric Danielson, First Hope Bank President Don Somma, Franklin Police Chief Eugene McInerney, Hardyston police Chief Bret Alemy, Vernon Police Chief Randy Mills, Ogdensburg Police Chief Stephen Gordon and, kneeling in front, Hopatcong Police Chief Bob Brennan.
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  From left, State Police Lt. and Sussex Station Commander John Widovic, Cpt. Will Puentes of the Sussex County Bureau of Corrections, Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada and Warden Mark Farsi of the Sussex County Jail.
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  From left, Hardyston Police Chief Bret Alemy, Jo Ann Alemy, Nancy DiMauro and Franklin Police Chief Eugene McInerney.

By Joseph Picard

SPARTA — Over 100 people from throughout Sussex County came to the Mohawk House in Sparta last Thursday, to play and watch bocce, quaff beers and other beverages, eat delicious foods and support the county Association of Police Chiefs.

“The turnout is beyond expectations,” said Byram Police Chief Peter Zabita. “Everybody is having a good time. And it’s all for a good cause.”

The cause is the chiefs’ association’s continued financial support for countywide in-service training programs for police officers. These programs provide officers with state-of-the art instruction in significant areas like responding to an active shooter or coordinating a full security response across several municipalities, or training in properly administering lie detector tests, or participating in the county’s CLEAR program to combat opiate abuse.

“Law enforcement is not static,” said Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch. “Methods of law enforcement are ever evolving and the need for continued education by officers cannot be stressed highly enough. Training in new ways of dealing with domestic violence, for example, or how to handle those with mental disabilities, and many other areas. And this is a small county, so it’s very useful for our officers to train together. They learn about each other and learn how to work together. This is crucial for times when we must provide mutual aid.”

First Hope Bank donated $1,000 to the cause and provided a trophy for the winners of the largely impromptu bocce tournament.

“We could not be more honored to support the police chiefs of Sussex County with a small token of our appreciation for all that they do for the people of the county,” said Don Somma, president and CEO of First Hope Bank.

According to Andover Township Police Chief Eric Danielson, one of the prime organizers of the event, the bocce tournament was won by the team of State Police Lt. John Widovic, State Police Det. Matt McCurry, Aaron Fitt and Nicholas Brandon.

“They each received a $100 gift certificate to J. Thomas Jewelers in Sparta, who sponsored the gifts,” Danielson said.

Another major sponsor was the Mohawk House, which provided the venue, the bocce courts, the food and the drink.

“It has always been my goal to support and help the community,” said Steve Scro, owner of the Mohawk House. “This kind of event does that.”

“The event went over very well,” Danielson said. “There were about 125 attendees to the first annual Bocce & Brew. The weather was picture perfect.”

Danielson added that the winning bocce team gets to keep the trophy for a year, but will have to defend it next year.

“So, yes, we will do it again next year,” he said. “We are looking forward to next year already.”
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Photo of the tournament winners...

Bocce fundraiser benefits local police - NJ Herald

http://www.njherald.com/20160923/bocce-fundraiser-benefits-local-police

Bocce fundraiser benefits local police

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Photo by Daniel Freel/New Jersey Herald - Lt. John Widovic, of the New Jersey State Police, throws a bocce ball down the court on Thursday during the Bocce and Brew fundraiser for the Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police at the Mohawk House in Sparta.

HERALD STAFF REPORT
newsroom@njherald.com

Posted: Sep. 23, 2016 12:01 am

SPARTA -- The Sussex County Association of Chiefs of Police held its first Bocce and Brew fundraiser on Thursday at the Mohawk House. The event, formerly an annual golf outing, was co-sponsored by the restaurant and First Hope Bank.

Money collected from the event will go toward continuing education for Sussex County law enforcement.

More than 100 people enjoyed games of bocce, woodfire pizzas, rare craft beers and a helicopter flyover.

"I'm proud to say that this has been a huge success," said Steve Scro, owner of the Mohawk House.

According to Scro, the Bocce and Brew fundraiser has been a collaborative effort by the local community. Desserts, such as special Chief of Police cookies by Patty's Cakes and apple cider doughnuts from Windy Brow Orchards, helped add to the occasion.

Also, said Scro, many local businesses, including First Hope Bank, Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, Tomco, and the Newton Theatre, gave much-appreciated donations to the organization.

The bocce tournament, played by 12 teams to represent the 12 chiefs of police in attendance, went on well into the evening as players competed to win trophies and bragging rights.

"This is something that we'll be looking forward to hosting every year. We've always wanted to create a local meeting space for our community, and we're so happy to be able to host events like this," Scro said.